In Memory

Ned Clausen - Class Of 1974

Ned was the Class of '74's president.  He passed away from cancer during his sophomore year.

Information submitted by Tim Fredrikson, Class Agent.

It is almost Christmas, and my thoughts always return to Charlottesville, VA and the special times we had with Ned Clausen.  The Lipsey's moved to Charlottesville - Dr. George and Barbara Lipsey, Steven, Thomas, Richard, and little Nicole.  Dr. Lipsey chose UVA to complete his residency in Anesthesiology.  Steven and Thomas attended AHS and Richard was enrolled in the middle school (I don't remember the name).  Little Nicole was 10 days old when we brought her home to live on Hydraulic Road.  Steve and Tom were involved in sports and made friends quickly at Albemarle.  Tom and Ned became best friends.  Ned spent many hours at the Lipsey's.   I remember the time when Ned and Tom were discussing their status in life - Ned commented that his family was considered "upper class" until his father died and then they were "lower class".  Tom responded that we had always been "lower class" -  The thoughts of a 15 year old are indeed astounding. 
 
All were devastated except Ned when he was diagnosed with cancer.   Dr. Lipsey administered the anesthetic when Ned's leg was removed.  Having to participate in this surgery was extremely difficult for George, and he spent the remainder of the day "hitting the cover off the golf ball".  There were good days and bad days to follow, but I never saw Ned display anything but a stalwart and accepting presence; I quote Tim Fredrikson, "nothing , even the dark spectra of cancer could affect or change his gregarious personality!" 
 
The Lipsey's moved back to Memphis, TN, and Mrs. Clausen graciously accepted our invitation for Ned to spend Christmas in Memphis.  When we met him at the airport, he had noticeably lost weight.  I went in his bedroom every night and watched to see that he was still breathing.  Tom gave him a basketball for Christmas.  This was to be his last Christmas.  Shortly after he returned to Chartlottesville, we were informed that precious Ned had died.  He touched the lives of the Lipsey's and so many others.  We will never forget Ned and the Clausen Family.  Thank you for allowing the Lipsey's to be a part of the "In Memory Page" in Memory of Ned Clausen.
 
Submitted by  Mrs. Barbara I. Lipsey                       



 
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05/16/11 03:29 AM #1    

Timothy Graydon Fredrikson (1974)

As the Fall of 2011 approaches, I cannot help but to remember that it will be 40 years ago that our class lost Ned Clausen!! It was in 1971, early on into our Sophomore year at Albemarle High, & we had all been wondering about Ned's condition, since he was no longer strong enough to attend class, & was for the most part in the hospital. Some of our classmates had seen him at a recent UVA football game, & despite his weakened condition ... he was still the same out-going, & cheerful Ned that we had known through the years. It seemed that NOTHING, even the dark spectre of cancer could affect, or change his gregarious personality!!

Then one day, there was an announcement by Mister Hurt over the PA system, that the entire Sophomore class was to report to the auditorium. Though we "did not" know what was going on, I think that in our hearts, we DID INDEED KNOW as to the purpose of this special meeting. Mister Hurt stood before us, & announced that Ned had passed away, & I am sure that there was not a dry eye in the auditorium. It was a dose of stark reality for the Class of 1974, & we bowed our heads, & a prayer was said ... for Ned, & his family ... & perhaps, even for ourselves!! When we filed out of the auditorium & returned to class, it is safe to say, that we all left a piece of our hearts behind on that dark day!!

Ned was a young man struck down much too early in his life, who left an impression on EVERYBODY that he met. He was a scholar, a leader, and most of all, a good friend, who always had a smile, & a kind word ... & he left us all with many fine memories!! He did indeed live a life that was much too short ... but, it was also long enough to touch ALL of those that knew him, & to make even better all those that he knew, just by his mere presence!! Ned ... We will never forget you!!!

NED CLAUSEN ... REQUIESAT IN PACE!!!


09/18/11 05:29 PM #2    

Bonnie Sandridge (Little) (1967)

I was Ned's best friend in 2nd grade to 8th grade. Then my family moved to Delaware.  He was an incredible athlete who would have played any pro sport that he chose to play.  He was MVP at Jerry West basketball camp. He won the Virginia punt pass kick, and he was the 1st player drafted in little league baseball.  He ran a sub 5-minute mile in 8th grade.  His character was unflawed.  He truly was a perfect person.

Submitted by Allen Tanner.


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